Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed Axel Tuanzebe after his ‘unbelievable’ display in his side’s 2-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Red Devils struck late in Paris once again through Marcus Rashford to put three points on the board in what is being described as the ‘group of death’ in the Champions League.
United were without Eric Bailly and captain Harry Maguire against the Ligue 1 giants, meaning Tuanzebe was selected to start.
It was the defender’s first appearance for the club since December 2019 and his first minutes of the season.
But despite his rustiness, Tuanzebe put in a sensational display against the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, on what was his full Champions League debut.
Solskjaer was evidently delighted with his team’s performance but he singled out Tuanzebe for special praise following his brilliant display.
‘These boys can play,’ said Solskjaer.
‘We played it right, as we wanted it. All credit to attitude, work rate and the team spirit has been fantastic. I’m just happy for the team.
‘To see Axel – it’s an unbelievable performance, he’s only trained for a few weeks! He is a great leader.’
In a later interview, Solskjaer expanded on his happiness with Tuanzebe.
‘We know that when you go away against a team like this, against players like Neymar and Mbappe, top, top players in the world, we know we have to defend well,’ said Solskjaer.
‘We know David De Gea will have to make a few saves. Sometimes you’ll get in a foot race with Mbappe and you’ll have to run with him and we know Axel’s qualities – he’s a top defender.
‘First game in, I don’t know, 10 months or something, which is just testament to the quality he has.’
Maguire is battling to prove his fitness in time and Solskjaer has already confirmed he will start the England defender is he passes a fitness test.
